Choosing a light-based hair removal practitioner
September 12, 2005 (Press Release) --
Doctors and practitioners are salespeople, too.
They are trying to sell you something that will cost you a lot of money. They have to make payments on a laser costing tens of thousands of dollars. That's a lot of sales they have to make.
Doctors are not perfect.
Doctors can also be fooled by marketing hype-- they are bombarded with advertisements for lasers. Laser sales reps take them to lunch or to a sports event and chat about how great their system is, and how much money they could make. Doctors hear rumors and believe them, too. I know of several good, trustworthy physicians who bought SoftLight machines when they came out, believing they were permanent. Physicians can also be too busy/lazy to read more than an abstract of a clinical study. I am constantly amazed at how trusting some people are of physicians, taking their word as gospel.
Some laser technicians are unqualified and could damage your skin.
It's safest to go to a physician, preferably a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Your procedure is likely to be safer and more effective when done under medical supervision. Unqualified prctitioners have been known to cause serious skin damage on unsuspecting clients.
Can you afford it if you have no long-term results?
Laser doesn't work for everyone. Be willing to write off the time and money you are going to spend. This is vital. Some people are willing to take a chance on unproven technology, and we all benefit from these people. There are a few lucky people who have enough disposable income to try procedures that are still being perfected, even though they may end up with nothing to show for it. If you cannot afford to risk your time, money, or complexion on unproven methods, you need to think seriously about whether laser is right for you.
Calling for information
Keep records
If you learn about a laser practice from a print advertisement, keep a copy of the ad (put the date and where it ran on the ad). If you hear something on TV or radio, note the date, station and program, along with any claims. If you try to get a refund later, you'll need this information.
Get some information over the phone
Most places will not give much information over the phone, especially prices. This is not because they're evasive, but because they want to see you before discussing treatment options. Take notes. Get the name of anyone you talk to and note the date. You should get the following information over the phone:
Brand and model of laser used and how long they've used it at their practice
Number of clients they've treated
Name and specialty of doctor who supervises treatment
Also, ask if consultation and test patch are free.
Set up a consultation
Ask who will be consulting with you during your appointment. Insist on consulting directly with the supervising physician.
Set up a test patch
You should make sure the test patch is done by the same person who will be treating you.
Ask what their medical or technical training is.
Ask how long they have been using this particular machine, and how many clients they've treated.
Ask how much hair growth you should have before the test patch is done.
Also ask if there is anything else you should or should not do to your skin before coming in.
Read about the during the consultation stage, signing up, and during treatment at http://www.laser-hair-removal-chicago.us/?page_id=5
They are trying to sell you something that will cost you a lot of money. They have to make payments on a laser costing tens of thousands of dollars. That's a lot of sales they have to make.
Doctors are not perfect.
Doctors can also be fooled by marketing hype-- they are bombarded with advertisements for lasers. Laser sales reps take them to lunch or to a sports event and chat about how great their system is, and how much money they could make. Doctors hear rumors and believe them, too. I know of several good, trustworthy physicians who bought SoftLight machines when they came out, believing they were permanent. Physicians can also be too busy/lazy to read more than an abstract of a clinical study. I am constantly amazed at how trusting some people are of physicians, taking their word as gospel.
Some laser technicians are unqualified and could damage your skin.
It's safest to go to a physician, preferably a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Your procedure is likely to be safer and more effective when done under medical supervision. Unqualified prctitioners have been known to cause serious skin damage on unsuspecting clients.
Can you afford it if you have no long-term results?
Laser doesn't work for everyone. Be willing to write off the time and money you are going to spend. This is vital. Some people are willing to take a chance on unproven technology, and we all benefit from these people. There are a few lucky people who have enough disposable income to try procedures that are still being perfected, even though they may end up with nothing to show for it. If you cannot afford to risk your time, money, or complexion on unproven methods, you need to think seriously about whether laser is right for you.
Calling for information
Keep records
If you learn about a laser practice from a print advertisement, keep a copy of the ad (put the date and where it ran on the ad). If you hear something on TV or radio, note the date, station and program, along with any claims. If you try to get a refund later, you'll need this information.
Get some information over the phone
Most places will not give much information over the phone, especially prices. This is not because they're evasive, but because they want to see you before discussing treatment options. Take notes. Get the name of anyone you talk to and note the date. You should get the following information over the phone:
Brand and model of laser used and how long they've used it at their practice
Number of clients they've treated
Name and specialty of doctor who supervises treatment
Also, ask if consultation and test patch are free.
Set up a consultation
Ask who will be consulting with you during your appointment. Insist on consulting directly with the supervising physician.
Set up a test patch
You should make sure the test patch is done by the same person who will be treating you.
Ask what their medical or technical training is.
Ask how long they have been using this particular machine, and how many clients they've treated.
Ask how much hair growth you should have before the test patch is done.
Also ask if there is anything else you should or should not do to your skin before coming in.
Read about the during the consultation stage, signing up, and during treatment at http://www.laser-hair-removal-chicago.us/?page_id=5
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